Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) seeks a full-time (35 hours/week), bilingual (Spanish/English) person to conduct outreach to farmworkers. The Pendleton office represents migrant and seasonal farm, nursery and forestry workers in Eastern Oregon.
Background
LASO is a non-profit organization that gives free legal assistance to low-income clients in civil (non-criminal) cases. LASO’s eight regional offices serve the general low-income population throughout the state and two specialized statewide programs provide services to farmworkers and representation on Native American issues. The Farmworker Program consists of a director, four attorneys (including a supervising attorney), two outreach workers and an office manager located in three different offices.
The majority of our clients speak Spanish or one of the indigenous languages native to the southern states of Mexico and Central America, such as Mixteco, Triqui or Zapoteco. They experience a wide variety of legal problems, including unpaid wages, poor working conditions, unsafe housing, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination and retaliation for the exercise of their legal rights.
Pendleton is situated near national forests, natural wilderness areas and scenic waterways that offer many opportunities for outside recreational activities, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. An historic city that still retains echoes of the old west, Pendleton is located in sunny northeastern Oregon, approximately 3 hours’ drive from Portland and Boise, 250 miles from Seattle and 45 miles from a college town, Walla Walla, Washington.
Responsibilities
The Outreach Worker position involves interviewing clients; giving educational presentations to groups of farmworkers in Spanish; building partnerships with other agencies and community organizations; developing and implementing outreach strategies including Spanish language media; producing informational flyers in Spanish; visiting farmworkers at migrant labor camps; and performing other support tasks as needed.
Salary/Benefits
Salary based on experience. Additional compensation for bilingual ability. Excellent benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) plan.
Closing Date
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed after June 6, 2020.
We seek applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities; excellent interpersonal communication and cultural competency skills; a high degree of initiative and willingness to work collaboratively; willingness to flex work schedule to work evenings and weekends as needed; a valid Oregon driver’s license and access to a vehicle to travel outside of Pendleton; and an ability to speak, read and write in English and Spanish. Ability to also speak an indigenous language (e.g., Mixteco) is helpful but not required. Previous experience with farmworkers or immigrants is helpful but not required. Previous experience giving presentations to groups of people is helpful but not required. No legal experience necessary.
Send resume and cover letter to:
Laurie Hoefer, Program Director
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
397 N. First St.
Woodburn, OR 97071
[email protected]
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